Pokémon continues to captivate fans worldwide in 2025, with exciting updates across the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), Pokémon GO, video games, and more. The Water Festival event in Pokémon GO, running from July 15 to July 20, 2025, has sparked massive interest, introducing the Mimicry Pokémon Tatsugiri and new gameplay features. This comprehensive guide explores the latest Pokémon trends, including the Water Festival, Tatsugiri’s debut, and tips for players and collectors, ensuring you stay ahead in the Pokémon universe.

With over 25 years of history, Pokémon remains a cultural phenomenon. From the TCG’s Mega Evolution sets to Pokémon GO’s dynamic events, 2025 offers something for every fan. Whether you’re battling in Pokémon GO, collecting rare cards, or anticipating Pokémon Legends: Z-A, this guide covers it all.

What’s New in Pokémon GO: Water Festival 2025

The Pokémon GO Water Festival, running from July 15 at 10:00 to July 20 at 20:00 local time, is a highlight of 2025. This event introduces Tatsugiri, a Water/Dragon-type Pokémon from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, in three regional forms: Curly Form (Europe, Middle East, Africa), Droopy Form (Americas), and Stretchy Form (Asia-Pacific). Posts on X highlight the community’s excitement for Tatsugiri’s debut and its shiny potential.

The event offers bonuses like increased Candy for Nice Throws or better, making it easier to power up Pokémon. Players can encounter Water-type Pokémon like Staryu, Tirtouga, and Scarf Lapras in raids. Collection Challenges and Field Research tasks provide rewards like Stardust and XP, as detailed by Times of India.

Tatsugiri: The Mimicry Pokémon

Tatsugiri, a fan-favorite from Generation IX, is a versatile Pokémon with unique forms. Each form has distinct appearances but shares the same stats and moves. In Pokémon GO, Tatsugiri appears in the wild and 3-star raids, with a boosted shiny chance for Staryu and Tirtouga. Eurogamer’s guide explains how to catch all three forms based on your region.

In battles, Tatsugiri’s Dragon/Water typing makes it strong against Fire, Water, and Steel types but weak to Dragon and Fairy. Its Commander ability, seen in Scarlet and Violet, isn’t available in Pokémon GO, but its high attack stats make it a solid choice for PvP battles. Players are sharing strategies on X, with many aiming to collect all forms.

How to Maximize the Water Festival Event

To make the most of the Water Festival, follow these tips:

Complete Collection Challenges

The Water Festival includes Collection Challenges rewarding Stardust, XP, and encounters with Tatsugiri. Catch Water-type Pokémon like Horsea, Psyduck, and Staryu to complete these tasks. Check Pokémon GO’s official site for full details.

Focus on Raids

Scarf Lapras and Tatsugiri appear in 3-star raids. Use Dragon or Fairy-type Pokémon like Dragonite or Togekiss to counter Tatsugiri. Raids also offer chances to catch shiny Staryu and Tirtouga, which are popular among collectors.

Leverage Event Bonuses

The increased Candy bonus for Nice Throws or better helps power up Pokémon faster. Use Pinap Berries to double Candy when catching Tatsugiri or other Water-types. Stock up on Poké Balls to maximize catches.

Trade for Regional Forms

Since Tatsugiri’s forms are region-locked, trade with friends in other regions to collect all three. X users are posting about trading sessions to complete Tatsugiri collections.

Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution’s Big Comeback

The Pokémon TCG is thriving in 2025 with the Mega Evolution series, released on September 26. Featuring 180+ cards, including 10 Mega Evolution Pokémon ex and 22 ultra-rare Trainer cards, this set is a game-changer. Popular cards like Mega Absol ex, Mega Camerupt ex, and Mega Mawile ex dominate competitive play and collector markets.

Mega Evolution cards require evolving a Basic Pokémon and end your turn when played, but their high HP and powerful attacks make them worth it. The Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia sets offer vibrant artwork, with special illustration rares like Bulbasaur becoming collector favorites. Fans on X are sharing pull videos, hyping the set’s return after years of absence.

Building a Mega Evolution Deck

To build a competitive Mega Evolution deck:

  • Choose a Core Pokémon: Focus on Mega Absol ex for control or Mega Venusaur ex for stall strategies.

  • Add Supporters: Use Trainer cards like Professor’s Research and Boss’s Orders to set up quickly.

  • Manage Energy: Include Energy Switch or Double Turbo Energy to meet high energy costs.

  • Test Your Deck: Use Pokémon TCG Live to practice against meta decks like Charizard ex.

Pokémon Video Games: What’s Next?

Pokémon Legends: Z-A, set for release in 2026, is generating buzz for its return to the Kalos region and Mega Evolution focus. Announced by The Pokémon Company, it promises an open-world experience in Lumiose City. Fans speculate new Mega Evolutions like Mega Flygon may appear, based on X discussions.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet continue to thrive with DLC updates, including Tatsugiri’s prominence. The Pokémon Company’s recent updates on Pokemon.com highlight new Tera Raid events and competitive play formats, keeping players engaged.

Pokémon in Pop Culture

Pokémon’s influence extends beyond games and cards. The Pokémon anime, streaming on Netflix, follows Liko, Roy, and Dot in their search for the Six Heroes. New episodes released in June 2025 explore the Laqua region, tying into Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s lore.

Pokémon GO remains a cultural staple, with events like the Water Festival fostering community engagement. X posts show players organizing raid parties and sharing shiny catches, reflecting Pokémon’s social impact. The franchise’s presence in merchandise, from plushies to collectibles like Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex, keeps fans invested.

Collecting Pokémon Cards in 2025

The Pokémon TCG’s Mega Evolution set is a collector’s paradise. With 22 illustration rare Pokémon and 10 special illustration rares, cards like Mega Mawile ex and Bulbasaur are highly sought after. Booster packs cost $4–$6, while Elite Trainer Boxes range from $40–$60. The Premium Trainer Box MEGA, exclusive to Pokémon Center, includes unique Basic Energy designs.

To start collecting:

  • Buy Booster Boxes: Maximize your chances of pulling rare cards.

  • Protect Your Cards: Use sleeves and binders to maintain value.

  • Check Secondary Markets: eBay and TCGplayer offer singles, but verify authenticity to avoid fakes.

Competitive Pokémon Scene

The 2025 Pokémon World Championships, set for August, will feature intense TCG and video game battles. Mega Evolution decks are expected to shine, with players testing strategies on Pokémon TCG Live. In Pokémon GO, Tatsugiri is shaking up PvP, with its high attack stats making it a Great League contender.

To prepare for tournaments:

  • Practice Online: Use Pokémon TCG Live or Pokémon HOME for battle testing.

  • Study the Meta: Watch streams on Twitch or YouTube to learn top decks.

  • Join Communities: Forums like PokéBeach or Reddit’s r/PokemonTCG offer deck-building tips.

Pokémon GO Community Engagement

The Pokémon GO community is buzzing with Water Festival excitement. X users are sharing tips for catching Tatsugiri and completing challenges. Local events, like raid meetups, are popular in cities like New York and Tokyo. Join Discord servers or follow @LeekDuck on X for event updates and strategies.

Tips for New Pokémon Players

New to Pokémon? Here’s how to start:

  • Pokémon GO: Download the app and join the Water Festival to catch Tatsugiri. Use event bonuses to level up quickly.

  • Pokémon TCG: Start with a Battle Deck or Elite Trainer Box for beginner-friendly cards.

  • Video Games: Try Pokémon Scarlet and Violet for a modern experience or wait for Pokémon Legends: Z-A in 2026.

The Future of Pokémon

Pokémon’s future looks bright in 2025 and beyond. The Water Festival’s success and Mega Evolution’s return signal more exciting events and sets. Pokémon Legends: Z-A will likely introduce new Mega Evolutions, while Pokémon GO may add more regional Pokémon. Stay updated via Pokemon.com for the latest news.

Speculation on X suggests potential TCG sets featuring Pokémon like Mega Salamence ex. The Pokémon Company’s focus on cross-media storytelling, from anime to games, ensures the franchise’s longevity.

Pokémon’s Global Impact

Pokémon’s global reach is unmatched. With over 1,000 Pokémon species and millions of players, it fosters creativity and community. Events like the Water Festival and TCG releases bring fans together, while merchandise like Pikachu plushies remains iconic. Pokémon’s ability to evolve while staying true to its roots keeps it relevant in 2025.

Join the Pokémon Adventure

Pokémon in 2025 offers endless opportunities for fun and competition. From catching Tatsugiri in Pokémon GO’s Water Festival to collecting Mega Evolution cards, there’s something for everyone. Dive into the Pokémon world, build your collection, and join the global community today!

news